Tourism Controversy as Philippines Ranked 'Least Safe'; Department of Tourism Reacts

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Photo courtesy of PhilStar

 

The Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Philippines is pressing insurance firm HelloSafe for more than just an apology following a controversial report. The firm recently ranked the Philippines as the "least safe" country in the world, sparking widespread concern and a swift retraction.

 

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco has taken a firm stance, calling for transparency and accountability. She's written to HelloSafe's founder, Antoine Fruchard, to address the "false and misleading" report. Frasco stressed that such publications disguise as safety indices can cause undue alarm and harm the nation's reputation.

 

While HelloSafe has apologised for its report and removed the contentious section from its travel safety index, the impact lingers. The firm initially listed the Philippines, Colombia, and Mexico as the three most dangerous nations, citing high societal violence. Following backlash, HelloSafe is now reviewing its methodology, having suspended the ranking as of June 2025.

 

Frasco highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that despite HelloSafe's retraction, the report continues to spread internationally. She emphasised the need for transparency in global rankings, which significantly influence public perceptions and the tourism sector.

 

This flawed portrayal has undermined years of efforts by the government and private sector to promote the Philippines as a "safe and welcoming" destination. Frasco stated the reputational damage caused by the misleading report is significant and distorts public perception.

 

Other tourism bodies, including the Philippine Hotel Owners Association and Pacific Asia Travel Association, have joined in criticising the report. They've collectively described it as "misleading" and called for its complete withdrawal.

 

The DOT remains vigilant in monitoring how the Philippines is depicted in global travel reports and rankings. The tourism sector's momentum is crucial, and such incidents underscore the importance of responsible reporting.

 

In light of these events, the broader community within the Philippines is keen to see responsible and accurate representations that reflect the true spirit of the nation. As tourism plays a critical role in the economy, maintaining a positive and accurate international image is paramount.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-07-18